DSM vs Flood Method

[azman_haron]

Has anyone planted using both methods at the same time?

How different are the results after say, 60 days?

I personally don't have the patience for DSM...plus the possible disappointment of the plants dying after I flood the tank...but if the results are significantly different, perhaps I will try.

[Urban Aquaria]

If the tank isn't going to be using Co2 injection, then DSM can grow out the plants much faster during the initial start-up period (especially since most plants from LFS are sold in emersed form anyways). With a fully established rooted and healthy plant density created during DSM, the overall transition after flooding would usually be much quicker with minimal melting issues.

Many of the plants we use for carpeting (ie. HC, monte carlo, dwarf hairgrass, glosso etc) grow along river banks which experience regular rises and falls in water levels, so they are already evolved to adapt very quickly to emersed and submersed conditions.

Most people who find that all their plants melt after flooding either flooded the tank too early (before the plants have fully established), or didn't maintain the ideal conditions for the plants to continue growing in the first place, so the plants would naturally deteriorate and melt over time (even without doing DSM).

If the tank is going to be using Co2 injection, then the plants can grow almost as fast even when submersed due to the added carbon supply... but then you'll need to manage the usual algae management, tank maintenance and water changes during the submersed grow-out period.

So it just depends on your tank setup and your preferred method of initially growing out the plants.

[azman_haron]

Thanks.... a very balanced points of view!!

[azman_haron]

Most people who find that all their plants melt after flooding either flooded the tank too early (before the plants have fully established), or didn't maintain the ideal conditions for the plants to continue growing in the first place, so the plants would naturally deteriorate and melt over time (even without doing DSM).

what is the ideal condition for growing the plants DSM?

[Urban Aquaria]

what is the ideal condition for growing the plants DSM?

During DSM, you'd just need nutrient-rich substrate, lots of light and regular misting to keep the soil hydrated.

In my previous post, i was actually referring to when after the tank is flooded... the plants still need sufficient light, ample nutrients and carbon to continue growing well (more so since when submerged, light penetration become reduced and carbon becomes limited). If a tank is short of any of those things after its flooded, then the plant growth would naturally stall and gradually deteriorate during the transition process.